Product Value Addition for Ban Hua Kuan Tie Dye Art Community Enterprise Group, Sathon Subdistrict, Songkhla Province

Abstract

Ban Hua Kuan Tie-Dye Art Community Enterprise Group, located in Saton Subdistrict, Nathawi District, Songkhla Province, specializes in selling bags, scarves, and handkerchiefs made from tie-dye fabric. Their unique process involves dyeing fabric with natural dyes extracted from laterite soil, mangosteen peels, mango leaves, and pega leaves. Despite their innovative dyeing techniques, the community lacks the knowledge to create new patterns and product formats. This research aims to design and develop new products using tie-dyed fabric to increase their value. The process involved 1) analyzing potential and identifying target customers, focusing on those who prefer natural products, 2) creating added value by designing two types of souvenir products, i.e., a set of four beach-themed doll brooches and a set of two home decoration lamps, and 3) producing product prototypes. As a result, the Ban Hua Kuan Tie-Dye Art Community Enterprise Group has successfully introduced new products that showcase the natural ingredients used in their dyeing process. The beach-themed doll brooches are priced at 89-99 Baht (less than 3 USD) each, while the home decoration lamps are priced at 399-499 Baht (11.04-13.81 USD) per piece, adding a 60 percent value to the original tie-dye fabric. This initiative has not only equipped the enterprise group with the skills and knowledge to design and develop new products, but also increased their income by 4,950 Baht (around 137 USD) from testing the sale of product prototypes.